What is EPOS System or POS system?

POS or EPOS you've likely observed the terms thrown around as you're trying to accept payments at a till point. But what does EPOS stand for?

Many definitions describing EPOS about what the system includes and whether it is cloud-based or server based. In fact, the term refers to any PC based POS system, regardless of whether connected online or not.

It's simply that today, such a system tends to function through online to enable seamless integration with card reader and across all devices so sales, stock and reports are synced in real time. And, epos software is generally used in conjunction with hardware like a cash drawer, PC or mobile phone, receipt printer, barcode scanner, card reader and anything else required for an efficient checkout system.

The central part of EPOS systems is the EPOS Software installed on the local or working through the cloud. This software includes an interface through which you enter or register payments, typically through a touchscreen monitor or tablet.

Latest EPOS systems include a lot of added functions for running a store or any other business.

Think accounting, analytics, stock devices, payment options, staff management, card machine integration and customer loyalty features. You no need to take direct payments through an EPOS system as you get a complete software service to help you with running most parts of a business.

How POS became EPOS

Now-a-days the more squeezing question: why the differentiation between POS (point of sale) and EPOS? The appropriate answers lies in the development of POS over the past few years. A while ago when POS started, the ways of accepting payments were completely by cash. In the long run, this was known as cash registers or tills.

Fast forward to the 1990s and 2000s and tills started to become PC’s with a touchscreen screen and software made for inventory management and registering payments from customers. For some time, these systems were run on local systems with all data saved money on a server installed on business premises.

It was during this progress particularly that the term EPOS was coined to recognize between older, non electronic POS and electronic systems made possible through computer software.

Why EPOS is POS again

Everything except a couple of POS systems today are completely fledged EPOS System. Since it is the standard, many businesses have stopped referring to their software as "EPOS", rather opting on the snappier "POS".

There's a consensus among industry pioneers that all POS systems in near future will be SaaS (Software as a Service), to use another abbreviation. This means the software can't be possessed forever, but rather paid periodically as a membership for each limit. Included in the software is customer support, ongoing cloud maintenance and software updates.

How Many Types of Barcode Scanners Are There For Epos System?

EPOS system is a combination of hardware and epos software. It works with a till, a barcode scanner, software and a touch screen monitor. This system is used by various businesses like restaurants, bars and shops for stock control, quick service and retail hospitality management.

EPOS systems can either be purchased with or without integrated parts. For shop retailers where scanning barcodes is essential, having an EPOS system with a barcode scanner is an absolute necessity. A barcode scanner is a quick and accurate way of reading and logging the cost of an item and enables a retailer to give quick and competent customer service.

                           

What Is a Barcode Scanner?

A barcode scanner is composed of a scanner, a decoder, and a cable that connects the decoder to the EPOS system. You can buy these separately or buy a scanner with an inbuilt decoder. The scanner scans the data in the barcode of an item and sends it to the decoder which then transforms the information into data that the EPOS software can process.

Types of Barcode Scanners

There are various types of barcode scanners available for your EPOS system. These are particularly made to coordinate different EPOS system applications.

Omnidirectional Laser Scanner

This type of scanner is the most simple and least expensive. It is durable and human powered, which means the customer needs to find the right point and move at the exact speed. The wand scanner needs a close contact with the barcode. One disadvantage of using this scanner is that the barcode may get smeared and become mixed up when repeated scanning is applied.

CCD Barcode Scanners

A CCD (charge-coupled gadget) barcode scanner can read barcodes easily and quickly, which makes it popular among retail shops. Anyway it doesn’t have limitations.

First, it can scan barcodes at a length of about 1 to 3 inches. Second, it can't read barcodes tags that are wider than its own scanning surface.

Laser Barcode Scanner

This is the most famous scanner, which isn't astonishing given its capacity to scan barcodes from a distance of about 6 to 24 inches or from 2 to 8 feet away.

Wireless Single Line Laser Scanner

A wireless scanner is perfect for warehouse use. It is also ideal for scanning substantial, oversized and huge items that are hard to put on the counter.

Hands-free or Fixed Mount Barcode Scanner

This kind of barcode scanner is generally seen in convenience stores and other high volume retail locations. This scanner is anchored so the customer can scan while leaving their hands allowed handling with the products. It is convenient and highly reliable with minimal staff effort is required.

Handheld Laser Barcode Scanner

This sort of scanner is worn as a ring around a couple of fingers and is activated by pointing the scanner while squeezing the thumb against the trigger or by pointing the scanner at the barcode.

The type of barcode scanner you choose will rely upon the type of things you have to filter, the kind of business you have and the budget you have for your EPOS system. If you have a current EPOS system, you can purchase the barcode scanner independently. Make a point to get one that is perfect with your EPOS software.